Posts

Update: Thriving with a Strong Core and Heavy Lifts!

Hello everyone! It's been quite a journey since my last update, and I am thrilled to share some amazing news about my health. My back is not just doing well—it's doing incredibly well. In fact, I've been hitting record weights on my squats and deadlifts, a testament to the progress I've made and the strategies I've implemented. Let me take you through my recent experiences, the lessons I've learned, and some valuable insights on keeping your spine healthy and strong. My Health Journey: From Pain to Power Early Challenges and Triumphs When I first started this blog, I was grappling with intense back pain due to herniated and degenerative lumbar discs. The journey was tough, filled with physical therapy sessions, consultations with specialists, and a lot of trial and error. But through it all, I remained committed to finding a solution that would allow me to live a pain-free and active life. The Turning Point: M6-L Artificial Disc The real turning point in my jour
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8 years into the M6-L.

I truly can't believe how wonderful this device has been to me. It's taken work and patience getting through its issues, but it's made me who I am today and i'm very much thankful for that. Here's what I mean: As soon as I started developing a more solid core muscle base and stronger legs, I started working out more aggressively and with higher weights. I deleted all single mode exercises from my regimen. I only do compound exercises. I started squatting and deadlifting at 85% of my 1 rep maximum. My entire body is now much stronger. I haven't felt a single dose of pain from my back. I feel and (I think) I look amazing. Take this message for what it is. It took a ton of fucking work to get to where I am. If you're unwilling or unable to do this, please reconsider artificial disc replacement in general. If you're into fitness and self-improvement, this is the way to go. Here's a picture of my progress. Keep in mind, I eat less of the b
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Much Needed Update - 6 Years Into the M6-L

Hey guys! Thank you all for all the comments and e-mails. I've tried to respond to everyone; I've even had a few skype calls with prospective patients. You may all be wondering how I'm doing, so here's a quick update: I'm doing GREAT . No issues whatsoever. I've managed to control my facet pain by working on core exercises, with the added extra benefit of having a nice 6-pack, so cheers to looking good naked! As always, I stay away from long runs, squats, jumping, and any impact sports. When my back feels stiff, I do a bit of stretching and move on with my day. A word of warning to prospective patients though: despite me being happy with the surgery, some of you might not be as fit as I am. I'd consider this a warning: you might end up with facet issues. Cheers everyone!
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For those just starting out with back issues.

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Sometimes I stare into the wall, drift off, and think to myself, how would I have done things differently? Don't get me wrong, I'm completely happy with my Spinal Kinetics M6-L Lumbar Artificial Disc. I'm referring to all the things that happened prior to me getting my first symptom. All those days lifting weights, riding motorcycles, never really caring about my back, thinking of myself as invincible. Ok maybe I didn't think of myself as invincible, but I definitely didn't give a shit about my spine. In light of this, here's a few pointers for those barely starting out with symptoms: Get yourself an inversion table.  Even if you don't have any back pain, this works wonders! Decompresses the spine and helps the discs breath life (blood flow). Get yourself some chamomile tea.  Drink 2 cups a day, more if you can. Helps with inflammation. General tips: Avoid heavy lifting that involves the lower back, especially squats with heavy weights. I ca
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4 Years In

I'll make this short: I'm 100% able to do this exercise without any repercussions. I drink chamomile tea twice a day every day. This keeps my lower back muscles in check. No need to anti-inflammatories.  No alien feeling in my body. No running and no soccer. This upsets my lower back. I haven't done any x-rays or check ups as I don't feel the need to do them. I'm doing great. As for the people that have emailed me, thank you for taking the time to do so. It brightens my day to read that thank me for writing about this ordeal. I am more than willing to help you guys through this, so don't be shy. Email me at mike.spineblog@gmail.com 
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3.5 Year Update - Facets and Lower Back

Greetings everyone. It's nice to still see people reading the blog. I've seen many comments pop up and they are all people in similar situations looking for a door to open. First, i'll update you on my surgery: there are no updates. The disc is intact, same position, same height, same everything. Second, i'll update you on my facets: plenty to talk about here. The disc has permitted motion beyond what the facets usually had, and these have had a level of inflammation that depend on my level of activity. Before surgery, I used to have leg pain. That is gone. Now I have lower back pain directly related to the facets. This inflammation causes my lower back muscles to contract and stay stiff, particularly in the mornings. Regular motion will loosen them up. Massages are a must. I've managed to control it with naproxen (aleve) and chamomile tea every day. Impact sports are a big NO NO. I've had terrible episodes where soccer led me to the hospital to get steroid
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Still Alive!

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To those wondering, yes i'm still alive. And i'm doing absolutely great! I've started an ab routine a few months ago and i've toned up incredibly. I also get weekly massages focused on my lower back. Massages are a Godsend with the girl that does my lower back. Strong arms and hands are a must. With this i've managed to not even remember I have an operation. No pain, nothing! All I needed was muscle support and a chill job. Below is a pic of my progress. I have no problems at the gym, I avoid squats and anything that puts pressure on my lower back. But given my new strenght, I can lift more without feeling lower back pain. This includes 50lb dumbbells on each arm for biceps, etc. I'm still being very very careful though. The other day I had to stop doing shoulders as I felt it was too much for my back. Cheers everyone!
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